What Do Instrumentation Engineers Do?

Instrumentation engineers are responsible for tasks relating to the creation and upkeep of instrumentation, usually in a factory or plant environment. This instrumentation helps to monitor and regulate processes so they work efficiently and accurately, and these engineers may also set up instrumentation to function for particular tasks; this is done by creating specifications and configuring the instrumentation so that it operates as necessary.

Skills in Instrument Control, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) / Automation, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Project Management are correlated to pay that is above average. Skills that pay less than market rate include Engineering Design.

What is the Pay by Experience Level for Instrumentation Engineers?

An entry-level Instrumentation Engineer with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of $69,572 based on 19 salaries. An early career Instrumentation Engineer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $73,697 based on 119 salaries. A mid-career Instrumentation Engineer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $90,291 based on 74 salaries. An experienced Instrumentation Engineer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $100,743 based on 57 salaries. In their late career (20 years and higher), employees earn an average total compensation of $107,924.

Pay Difference by Location

Employees with Instrumentation Engineer in their job title in Baton Rouge, Louisiana earn an average of 32.5% more than the national average. These job titles also find higher than average salaries in New York, New York (28.2% more) and Beaumont, Texas (20.4% more). The lowest salaries can be found in Grand Rapids, Michigan (35.0% less) and Tullahoma, Tennessee (23.1% less).